Lip & Tongue Tie Treatment
Is your infant having difficulty nursing? A lip or tongue tie might be the cause! Milestone Kids Dentistry can assess them for lip/tongue ties and recommend treatment. Our superhero team of pediatric dentists uses the latest techniques, like frenectomy procedures, to safely release them and restore the function of your child’s mouth. Schedule an appointment with us today!
What Is A Lip Tie & Tongue Tie?
There are soft tissues called frenums that connect your gums to your lips and tongue. These frenum help with important functions of the mouth, like eating, drinking, and speaking. Sometimes, these tissues can be too tight and not stretch properly. When the frenum under the tongue is too tight, it’s called a tongue tie because it limits the tongue’s movement. When the frenum between the upper lip and gums is too tight, it’s called a lip tie because it restricts the upper lip’s mobility and function.
These conditions are usually present at birth and can be identified within your child’s first year of life. Studies show that approximately 10 percent of newborns have a lip or tongue tie, which can lead to breastfeeding difficulties. Additionally, it has been observed that up to 25 percent of breastfeeding infants may experience challenges with latching due to this condition.
Causes Of Lip Or Tongue Ties
Oral restrictions, like lip and tongue ties, are congenital conditions that occur during fetal development. During this time, there is a tissue formation that anchors the tongue to the base of the mouth. Typically, this tissue naturally dissolves to a small, flexible tether around the 12th week of pregnancy.
However, in some cases, this tissue does not dissolve completely, resulting in a residual tie that is short, tight, or thick, restricting normal movement in the tongue and lips. Premature babies often experience oral restrictions because the tissue separation in utero may not have occurred before their early birth.
Symptoms Of Lip Or Tongue Ties
Symptoms of tongue ties and lips ties can cause many problems for your little one. In the short term, they can create obstacles with feeding and cause developmental concerns. However, if left untreated, these ties can potentially lead to long-term speech difficulties and make certain foods less enjoyable to eat. As a result, your child’s nutrition, comfort, and self-confidence may be impacted. Here are some common symptoms of tongue ties or lip ties:
Symptoms In Infants
- Difficulty achieving a proper latch during breastfeeding
- Extended feeding durations
- Frequent drowsiness while nursing
- Gnawing or chewing on the nipple
- Inadequate weight gain or failure to thrive
- Experiencing gas, colic symptoms, and/or reflux, including occasional vomiting
- Excess drooling
- Development of a blister on the upper lip
- Audible clicking noises while feeding
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Sleep disturbances
- Recurring sinus or ear infections
- Habit of breathing through the mouth
- Snoring during sleep
Symptoms In Nursing Mothers
- Injured nipples from nursing
- Intense pain while latching during breastfeeding
- Persistent pain throughout nursing sessions
- Inadequate drainage of the breast
- Decreased milk flow
- Infections in the nipples
- Incidence of mastitis or nipple thrush
- Frequent occurrence of plugged ducts
Treatment For Tongue Tie & Lip Tie
A frenectomy is a safe, quick surgical procedure used to treat tongue ties and lip ties—conditions caused by a tight or restricted frenulum. These restrictions can impact nursing, bottle-feeding, speech, oral hygiene, sleep, and even breathing.
At our office, we use advanced CO2 laser technology to gently release the frenulum with precision. The concentrated laser beam removes the excess tissue with minimal bleeding, discomfort, and no need for stitches or sedation. The laser also reduces the risk of infection, promotes faster healing, and leaves little to no scarring.
For infants, a frenectomy can often be done in just a few minutes. Many babies can begin nursing right after the procedure, and some families notice immediate improvements. Others may see more gradual changes as their baby adjusts. We encourage working closely with lactation consultants before and after treatment to help support optimal outcomes.
For older children, untreated tongue and lip ties may contribute to issues like speech difficulties, trouble eating certain foods, mouth breathing, or orthodontic concerns. A laser frenectomy can help restore better mobility and function, supporting speech development, oral health, and overall comfort. Just like with infants, we may recommend collaborating with speech therapists, feeding specialists, or myofunctional therapists to support healing and retraining the muscles for proper function after the release.
Whether your child is a newborn or school-aged, we’re here to support their growth, comfort, and oral development every step of the way.
Expert Tongue & Lip Tie Treatment In Washington
The sooner a tongue or lip tie is discovered and addressed, the better a frenectomy will work. If your infant is having difficulty nursing, don’t wait! Look no further than Milestone Kids Dentistry for all your lip and tongue tie treatment needs.
Our team of experts is here to make your baby’s experience a breeze. We pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of dental advancements, using state-of-the-art soft tissue lasers for painless and efficient procedures. Our gentle touch and kid-friendly approach will ensure your little one feels comfortable and at ease. Schedule an appointment today!